Minnesota Budget Bites

Fresh pencils for back to school, shorter days, bright red maples – these are a few of the classic harbingers of fall....

Coronavirus is disproportionately harming the economic well-being and health of BIPOC communities and these impacts are rooted in systemic racism. Policymakers must respond with anti-racist policies that provide aid to those most in need, address structural racism to build broadly-shared prosperity, and strengthen state revenues in order to build equitable and inclusive communities for all.

July brought us more sobering news about the ongoing damage that COVID-19 is expected to have on the economy, and by extension the state’s budget.

Data shows climbing numbers of Minnesotans needing some help to afford care while we’re also seeing massive state revenue shortfalls as a result of the pandemic’s economic disruption. This presents a serious mismatch of needs and resources. An increase to federal Medicaid funding is needed to make sure people can get the health care they need, when they need it.